Good For Revision, But u need to Couple it with Another Reference

I used this book as part of my revision portfolio. i found it a comprehensive reference in my revision for Exam 70-229. it is light on a couple of stuff ie: XML , estimating the size of a database and such. but all in all after reading it, i felt like i had a clear grasp of all the areas i needed to know about & prepare for , for the exam. Having that confidence helped in moving forward to the next phase ie: tackling past questions.

what i liked about this book :
- it lists the various objectives of the exam & there is a chapter for each Exam objective.
- it is a comprehensive read at 321 pages.
- there are exam questions after every chapter, Relating to that chapter
- there is a CD with 50 questions set in an application that simulates the exam room scenario.
- on the ExamCram2 site, a section features 64-100 additional questions & answers
- Answers with explanations are provided with every question featured in the book.

However, i also coupled my preparation with the following and when it came to crunch this is what made all the difference when taking the exam: u might want to check these out

(and this is why i cant give the book alone all 5 points of credit)

(1.) SQL Server 2000 Fast Answers ISBN: 1590595920
value:( the only place i found anything on estimating the size of a database , (apart from BOL) and past question scenario explanations. besides that, this is also a very good reference for 70-229 & 70-228. -- Sack is a good SQL Server author
(2.) SQL Tips & Techniques: ISBN:1931841454
Value:(for matters SQL ie: using ROLLUP,CUBE , T-sql rules, cursors, triggers, sprocs, server security elements, the works. a magnificent reference. with plenty of examples-(very important).I cherish this author.
(3.)Portable DBA SQL Server. ISBN:0072230169
Value:(if u read this before the ExamCram2 book, you'll feel much more prepared for ExamCram2 and the past questions stage.it helped consolidate my knowledge and identify areas of weakness.

However, if you have used other study aids or big 700page type Tombs, or feel resonably confident of your understanding, or have identified your areas of weakness & really just need a bit of practise for the exam, then this is what u should do instead.
(Go on The fast track)
(a.) Get a copy of Transcender certification for Exam 70-229 answer all 132 qestions and read the expanations where u go wrong.
(b.) Get a copy of Testking Exam 70-229, anything from version 1.x up is good, answer all 107 or 238 questions on the various problem scenarios and study the explanations where u go wrong.
(c.)visit braindumps dot com and get the latest exam 70-229 brain dump. answer all 107+ questions. understand the stuff & leave no stone unturned.

schedule and sit the exam when you've finished with these various example scenario questions.u r ready.

Ace the exam.

listen, there are many other books that i referenced, but what i think is most important (after revising and knowing your stuff) is to pass the actual exam in 160minutes & 44 questions. you need to tackle question regarding problem scenarios in order to sharpen your wits about applying/selecting/choosing the right solution /tool or strategy within any given problem scenario. this is the crunch of it. do that ,and u pass.

End of.

oh, for those wondering, i took the exam just thursday last ie:(30th March 2006); scored 93% ie: 931. The pass mark is 700 ie: 70%.

Good luck.

cheers :-)

Other Reviews

• Good if you want a guide to what you should remember
• Worth the money
• Good For Revision, But u need to Couple it with Another Reference
• Average exam review
• Good but not enough